James has a lot to say to us as American Christians. Be quick to listen. It isn’t something we are really good at usually. I remember taking classes at MTS and one spending a great deal of time on active listening. We like to talk and we like to fix- anything to get things done quickly. James tells us we need to slow down and to listen.

As a hospital chaplain, I learned the value of listening. Not fixing. Not solving. Definitely not talking. It was a hard lesson for me- I like to talk. Those patients I was checking on didn’t are that I like to talk. The visits weren’t about me but the person needing to be heard.

As a single man, I do not speak from experience but I have many married friends who have told me about the difference between men and women when it comes to listening. If I am wrong, I will blame it on them. A majority of married men look to a conversation with their wife as a way to fix things. As she is telling him about her day, his mind goes to what he can do to fix the problems of her day. Sometimes this is what she wants but sometimes she doesn’t want anything fixed, she just wants someone to listen to her.

True listening lets the other person know that they are valued. They are important. And who doesn’t want to feel that way. Our challenge is to put someone else’s needs before ours, slow down and take the time to listen. It may not be easy but it will be worth it.